You may have met Tricia at a table outside the Glen Arbor Farmers’ Market, where she has raised awareness of the GLA’s mission and encouraged everyone to become a member. Maybe you received a consultation at your waterfront property, where Tricia offered strategies to prevent shoreline erosion and protect the water. You’ve probably learned a lot about how to preserve the health of our lakes and streams by reading Tricia’s timely articles in the monthly GLA e-newsletters. Her passion for water protection and her extensive knowledge of best management practices have enabled Tricia to make these and other important contributions to the GLA during her six years on staff.
Recently, Tricia was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis, a rare neurodegenerative disease which leads to weakness in the muscles that control the legs, arms, and tongue. As a result of the disease’s progression, Tricia has made the very difficult decision to stop working and focus exclusively on her health and family. Tricia shares, “I’ll still be around, it will just be different. I always have been, and still will be, a part of this community, a neighbor, a friend. That won’t change. And you can count on me to find new and creative ways to channel my passion for protecting this amazing place by volunteering for the GLA every chance I get.”
In her role as Glen Lake Association Guardian Ambassador, Tricia was instrumental in helping the GLA become the top participant in the Michigan Shoreland Stewards Program, which recognizes inland lakefront property owners using best practices to protect their lake. In addition, Tricia expanded the GLA’s summer internship program, paving the way for dozens of Northwestern Michigan College Freshwater Studies students to give their time and talents to the GLA. In her role as Administrative Coordinator, Tricia worked diligently behind the scenes to improve systems, enhance communications, and grow membership – helping the GLA become a recognized leader in science, education, and outreach.
We hope you’ll join the entire GLA Board of Directors and Staff in thanking Tricia for her years of work and service. We offer our heartfelt best wishes to Tricia and her family and look forward to her continued involvement as a GLA volunteer.
